Some Random Thoughts on Qayaas by Assam

I gotta begin by saying, WHAT A KICK-ASS lineup!

So I’ve been listening to the two songs Umeed and Tanha on repeat for the past week and here are some of my thoughts. First of all, I’m already well aware of Fifu, Sarmad, Sherry and Khurram and how they are the best at what they play. However, what comes as a surprise is the vocalist Umair. I have never heard of this guy before but WOW! I am blown away. My first thoughts upon hearing him sing were that: “I didn’t know Chris Cornell had started singing in Urdu!” He has amazing vocals, really good control, versatility and an unbelievable range. Not to mention really powerful lyrics. The band altogether has a very Audioslavesque sound which is great! It’s also good to hear Sherry on Bass. I’ve always thought that he was really good at Bass and stands out more playing Bass rather than rhythms. Another thing that makes this lineup even more spectacular is Sarmad’s knowledge of audio production. The mixing and sound on the songs is spot on. Every instrument can be heard clearly. That is a lovely change from what we are used to hearing in Pakistan for the most part.

Now the part of the constructive feedback, and mind you this is just my opinion, others may disagree completely with it. 🙂
I’ve always been a fan of Knumb and Rungg but I feel that Qayaas has the missing element that Knumb and Rungg were lacking, which is the commerciability factor. I use this word only to imply that the songs have a likability and relate-ability factor with people. Which brings me to my point about the songs I’ve heard so far. Like I mentioned earlier, I have been listening to the two songs on repeat for the past week and I can sing along with the song, play the beat and rhythm in my head along with the song. Let me assure you that this is a huge deal considering that I can not do that with most songs I have been listening to for the past 10-15 years. The only thing I can not hum along with or recall, is the lead. This is not to say that the lead is bad or anything, it is awesome. However, if you were to ask most people if they could recall any Steve Vai song, a majority of them would say “for the love of God” and could even hum it. But a majority of them, even if they could name other songs by him, would not be able to hum the song. Ask anyone if they can hum the lead to November rain, Knockin’ on Heaven’s doors or Estranged and they would be able to do it with ease. Why? The are extremely memorable because of people being able to “feel” them and relate to them. I would love to hear some hardcore soul stirring leads in the other songs to come by Qayaas. I wouldn’t mind hearing a couple of completely rocking acoustic songs on the album as well. Also keeping in line with my comment of the songs being relate-able, I would advise that the song meanings not be explained at all. A lot of people tend to form their own associations with the song by relating to it by deriving their own meaning of it, and you take away that opportunity by eliminating that possibility.

Irrespective, I am willing to bet anything that this band will make it big. In fact I can guarantee that these songs will top the charts. It has the right amount of rock and the perfect mix of talent. I can’t wait to hear more of your songs! Best of luck and rock on!

A Huge Qayaas Fan,
Vex.